One of the most popular Medieval flags is called Richard the Lionheart Flag. It is a rectangular red flag designed with three golden lions which is the coat of arms of Richard the Lionheart. Who was Richard the Lionheart?
Richard the Lionheart or Couer de Lion is otherwise known as Richard I, the King of England and the Angevin Empire ruler from 1189 to his death in 1199. He was a great military leader who at the age of 16 commanded his own troops together with his brothers to dethrone his father, Henry II. Richard also became the commander of the Third Crusade against the Muslims led by Saladin. His rebellion against his father went on for several years which resulted to revolts and wars among their family and people. This resulted to the death of his brother, Henry the Young and his alliance with Philip II.
Finally on July 4, 1189, Richard defeated his father’s army and succeeded Henry as the King of England. It was believed that Henry I died at the hands of his son, Richard. During his reign, Richard went on in different battles including the Crusades and the capture of Cyprus. He was known to be Richard the Lionheart because of his courage and defiance against his father and for conquering battles against and for him. However at the end the lion was killed by an ant, when Richard died because of the gangrene on his wound caused by an arrow that struck him. The arrow was thrown by a boy who said that Richard killed his father and brothers.
Even though Steven Runciman (a British medieval historian) has this final verdict about Richard: “he was a bad son, a bad husband and a bad king, but a gallant and splendid soldier,” Richard is still regarded as one of the most enduring and iconic figures in England.
For the Richard the Lionheart flag and more medieval flags, visit the Medieval Flags Collection at realmcollections.com.